Sometimes, you reach a juncture where you realize you have spent too much time working on life\u2019s minutiae. That is when you will probably stop, step back, and look around. Then you might hear someone say, \u201cIt\u2019s time for a break!\u201d<\/p>\n
That\u2019s what happened yesterday\u2014Holly called for the break. Friends and family stopped life for a moment to party with Holly as he began blazing a trail into his seventh decade on the spinning blue-green asteroid arcing about the sun. It\u2019s not his birthday yet, but it is getting close.<\/p>\n
The mood was festive, as any party should be if it is to be worthy of being called a party. Holly\u2019s friends came from all over. There were airport friends, business friends, surfing and diving friends, and others. Some of Holly\u2019s family trekked in from different parts of the state.<\/p>\n
From the observer\u2019s platform, the number of people who had genuine affection for Holly was very impressive. Many who came to give Holly advice on how to make it through the next 60 years of living did so with serious intent. The rest just wanted to razz him; all in good nature, of course.<\/p>\n
Through it all, the serious commentary and the light-hearted joking, Holly took it all in stride.<\/p>\n
\u00a0At one point, I saw an old photo of him standing in front of his airplane. \u201cHolly, I can\u2019t believe you had all that hair!\u201d<\/p>\n
With a grin wider than the propeller, he looked at me and said, \u201cAt least I still have the plane!\u201d<\/p>\n
It is the reason why everyone in the world loves Holly–he is the original optimist who always finds the good in life, no matter the situation.<\/p>\n
He is also quite the farmer, for a Southern boy living in the city. He has been nurturing giant sunflowers in his backyard and in typical Holly-fashion, he offered to grow buds for others who might want a giant sunflower in their yard.<\/p>\n
He has been nurturing people, too\u2014family and friends all around him. As an observer, I have enjoyed watching the great satisfaction he has derived from helping those around him.<\/p>\n
And don\u2019t forget, he is\u2014Raptor-Man!<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n -30-<\/p>\n \u00a92011 J. Clark<\/em><\/p>\n Subscribe by email<\/a><\/p>\n Note: Email subscribers, please go to <\/em>my blog<\/em><\/a> to view vids and photos <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Sometimes, you reach a juncture where you realize you have spent too much time working on life\u2019s minutiae. That is when you will probably stop, step back, and look around. Then you might hear someone say, \u201cIt\u2019s time for a … Continue reading